Vols’ Smith returns after treatment for blood clots in lungs

Tennessee athletic department spokesman Zach Stipe confirmed Smith’s issue Tuesday. ESPN first reported that Smith was diagnosed in February with blood clots in his lungs.

The ESPN report says Smith has been cleared to play this season but will be held out of contact until he comes off blood-thinning medication, likely sometime around mid-August. Volunteers coach Jeremy Pruitt already had said during Southeastern Conference media days two weeks ago that Smith would be ready to play this fall.